West Thompson Lake Campground provides pet-friendly sites with large, wooded campsites that allow dogs throughout the property. Many sites back up to forested areas, offering additional privacy and space for pets to enjoy while leashed. The campground maintains clean facilities with tent, RV, and cabin options that welcome pets. Pet owners appreciate the spacious sites and access to hiking trails directly from the campground. Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park also accepts pets with specific designated areas for animals. Stateline Campresort & Cabins offers pet-friendly accommodations with level sites that can accommodate everything from tents to large RVs, some overlooking a pond where leashed pets can enjoy shoreline walks.
Hiking trails surrounding the campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with several campgrounds offering direct trail access from campsites. The rural, quiet setting of West Thompson Lake allows for peaceful walks with minimal traffic concerns, though pets must remain on leash at all times on trails and throughout camping areas. The campground enforces quiet hours that help minimize barking disruptions. Many sites feature picnic tables and fire rings where pets can relax alongside their owners. Bowdish Lake Camping Area allows pets but charges an additional fee ($50 for small dogs and $100 for large dogs according to visitor reports), while Charlie Brown Campground welcomes pets with dedicated pet waste stations. Most campgrounds in the region require proof of current vaccinations and enforce standard leash policies, typically not exceeding 6 feet in length.
$18 - $75 / night
"So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."
"The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."
$15 - $30 / night
"They have bathrooms and showers close by that (if I remember correctly/things haven’t changed too much in the past couple of years) were in relatively decent shape compared to others I’ve been in at campgrounds"
"centrally located bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy. hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. so fun!"
$25 - $50 / night
"The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I was t too keen on staying literally on the pond."
$25 - $150 / night
"Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
"Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."
"Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."
"Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."
$14 - $29 / night
"There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches (download details for offline use a phone connection is spotty), a swimming"
"Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."
$17 - $55 / night
"The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."
"Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."
$40 - $200 / night
"This site is right next to the state park that’s nearby, so it’s fairly quiet. I think we are one of the only tent campers here this weekend, seems like a lot of seasonal camping with RVs."
$70 / night
"Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only!"
"Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."
$45 - $55 / night
"Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again. Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."
ScoutThe campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed. We Took one of the nearby Trails get to the Portsmouth Publick House restaurant, which is dog friendly, for lunch. The waterfall along the blue trail is picture worthy.
GuideMost amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park. Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods (still able to park my 26’ camper trailer). Swimming pool, great playground, among lots of trails and wooded area surrounding almost every site. Best camping weekends we’ve ever had have been at Waters Edge.
GuideWe got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park
TravelerPerfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area.
Worst part is you can’t bring your car on the site. Do not understand this, especially since it was over 95° and we have dogs that need AC, one if which is 14. We did sneak the car up by asking an RV camper to use his land because they block off the entrance with giant tree trunks.
More good stuff, the private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms.
TravelerQuaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only! Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge.
ScoutStandard crabgrass parking lot with drunks driving around on golf carts and RV's stacked on top of each other. The woman who runs the office is a very angry person and it made the entire visit unpleasant, which is no surprise as she has been hostile and unwelcoming the several times I've visited. Pool looks nice though I guess, I've never dared to use it for fear of breaking one of the many unwritten and unspoken rules. A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe. I called to ask if they allowed dogs and was told "NO" just to arrive and be asked to park next to the dog park.
ScoutGreat family campground with lots of activities. A little pricey. Plenty of open space a dog park area. 3 pools a kiddie pool and outdoor in ground hot tub. Golf cart rentals. Very clean and accommodating
ScoutFirst things first- no bugs!! That’s right I didn’t know what I was missing till I notice I wasn’t getting bit alive by mosquitoes!!! They spray for them!!! So you can enjoy the outside without the pesky bites that come with camping!
Then of course there is the luxury of having two pools, a ton of fun activities for kids, (fishing , dog park, horseshoes, tennis, basketball, etc)! It’s probably my favorite spot in New England merely for all the luxuries that come with this site!!!
Plus you are close to Gillette and shopping!! Can get better then that!
GuideThis park was very nice, but they advertise being 5 miles away from historic Newport, and it’s more like 8. There are zero bike paths that are immediately accessible and Newport drivers are not walker/biker friendly. No sidewalks on the Main Street to get you here. Ubers and Lyfts can be scarce and very expensive depending on the time of day. Between $16 to $78 rides…so, if you’re not towing, just something to be aware of. Neighbors were super nice and there is a great dog park (we think it’s city owned) with super nice doggo humans. Was good for a short stay - we just wish we had known how far out it really was because we really would have loved to spend more time downtown.
The northeastern Connecticut region near Putnam sits within the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley, locally known as "The Last Green Valley." This rural area maintains nearly 80% forest and farmland coverage, with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms and higher humidity during July and August.
Fishing opportunities: West Thompson Lake Campground provides access to a catch-and-release fishery. "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," explains Cynthia K. The lake and adjoining river offer hours of recreational opportunities.
Disc golf course: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park features an on-site disc golf course. "There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course," shares Deborah B. The course winds through wooded terrain, offering both recreation and scenic views during play.
Explore local hiking trails: George Washington State Campground provides multiple trail options surrounding the campground. "Has great hiking trails going around some lakes. Clean showers," notes Joey S. Trails vary in difficulty, with both lakeside paths and forest routes available for day hikes.
Kayaking and canoeing: Wilderness Lake Park offers complimentary watercraft for guests. "Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available," says Kay B. The campground provides canoes and kayaks on a first-come basis, allowing visitors to explore the lake at no additional cost.
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at West Thompson Lake Campground. "We've camped here twice so far and can't wait to be back. This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft," reports Cynthia K. Sites are well-spaced and provide natural buffers between camping areas.
Swimming options: George Washington State Campground provides swimming facilities during summer months. "Beautiful campground with a beautiful beach, new pay shower and bathrooms. We enjoyed swimming and fishing," shares Thomas M. The designated swimming area includes a beach section for easier water entry.
Natural surroundings: Charlie Brown Campground offers riverside sites with natural amenities. "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping," explains Ron C. Many sites back directly onto the Natchaug River, providing scenic views and water access.
Level campsites: Stateline Campresort & Cabins provides well-designed sites for campers. "The sites are very well set up. You have your pick of shady sites or sites with no trees. Kids are welcome," notes Mike. Sites include both open and wooded options, allowing campers to choose based on preference.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds in the Putnam area operate on limited schedules. West Thompson Lake Campground runs from "May 16 to September 6," according to their seasonal information. Several facilities close after Columbus Day weekend, with limited shoulder-season availability.
Varying pet policies: While many campgrounds near Putnam allow pets, policies and fees differ. At Bowdish Lake Camping Area, campers should note, "They charged us an additional $50.00 for a small dog, $100.00 for large dogs (by the way they have no dog park)," according to Richard P. Always check current pet policies before booking.
Limited water activities: Some lakes permit swimming while others do not. "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course," explains Deborah B. about West Thompson Lake. Water quality concerns impact swimming availability at certain locations.
Payment considerations: Several campgrounds require cash payment. At Wilderness Lake Park, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," advises Hails L. ATM access may be limited in this rural area, so bring sufficient cash for site fees and firewood purchases.
Activities for children: Charlie Brown Campground offers river-based recreation for families. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly," shares Michael.
Playground access: Brialee Family Campground provides multiple recreation options for children. "Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground. Park is kept clean and tidy," says Christine M. The campground schedules regular family activities throughout the summer season.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain better quiet hours than others. "The sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," notes Nick P. about George Washington State Campground.
Bathing facilities: Campground shower quality varies significantly. "Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families," reports Kailie G. about Brialee Family Campground. Some facilities charge for hot water, typically requiring quarters for timed shower use.
Electric and water hookups: Stateline Campresort & Cabins provides various utility connections. "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available. The site we had overlooked the pond and was perfect," describes Tony O. Water and electric hookups are standard, with some sites offering full sewer connections.
Site sizing and access: Nickerson Park Family Campground accommodates various RV types. "We got a nice spot backing up to the river. Very secluded, clean sites. There was not sewer drains, but it's ok, they have a nice dump station on your way out," explains Jason E. The park provides pull-through sites for larger rigs in designated areas.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer dump stations rather than full hookups. "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm," notes Cameron F. about West Thompson Lake Campground.
Supply access: Most campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance of stores. "Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away. Pizza places/breakfast spots in the same area as well," mentions Michael about Nickerson Park Family Campground. This allows RVers to restock supplies during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Putnam, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Putnam, CT is George Washington State Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Putnam, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 122 dog-friendly camping locations near Putnam, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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